A furnace used for smelting is typically referred to as a smelting furnace or a melting furnace.
It is a specialized type of metallurgical furnace that is designed to heat and melt metals to their melting point.
Smelting furnaces are commonly used in various industries for the production of industrial metals, such as pig iron, lead, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, and precious metals like gold and silver.
There are several types of smelting furnaces, each with its own method of heating and melting the metals.
1. Blast Furnace
This is a type of smelting furnace used for large-scale production of metals, such as pig iron.
It operates by blowing a blast of hot air into the furnace to create a high-temperature environment for smelting.
2. Induction Furnace
Induction furnaces use induction heating to heat the metal to its melting point.
The furnace consists of a container of refractory material surrounded by water-cooled copper rings.
The high-frequency magnetic field generated by the induction coils heats the metal, and the magnetic field can also be used to stir the molten metal.
Induction furnaces are known for their efficiency and cleanliness in melting metals and are commonly used in modern foundries.
3. Crucible Furnace
Crucible furnaces are simple furnaces made of refractory materials, such as ceramics, capable of handling high temperatures.
The metal and additives are placed in a crucible, which is then heated in the furnace.
Crucible furnaces are often used by jewelry makers and hobbyists for melting smaller quantities of metal.
4. Cupola Furnace
Cupola furnaces are chimney-like furnaces filled with coal-coke and additives.
Metal is added directly to the furnace, and the heat is generated by burning the coke.
Cupola furnaces have been largely phased out in favor of induction furnaces due to their lower efficiency.
5. Electric Arc Furnace
Electric arc furnaces use electrodes to pass an electric current through the metal, melting it.
These furnaces are commonly used in foundries for melting large slabs and beams, as well as shredded scrap metal.
Oxygen may be added to the process to aid in the melting.
The choice of furnace depends on the specific requirements of the industry and the type of metal being melted.
Smelting furnaces are essential in transforming raw materials into usable metal alloys for various applications, such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries.
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